Officials from Delaware County and the Executive Leadership of HFHMDC Came Together to Commemorate a Jimmy Carter Memorial at the Government Center Complex in Media, PA to Celebrate the Life and Service of Jimmy Carter and Highlight the Efforts of the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development
KING OF PRUSSIA, PA – On January 21, local leaders from Delaware County, including Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, Council Vice Chair Richard Womack, Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, Director of the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development, and others, came together to honor President Jimmy Carter. The memorial, a door in a frame, is on display in the lobby of the Government Center Complex at 201 Front Street in Media, PA. This door represents the many opportunities President Carter created for others through his service and dedication.
President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in 1984 near their home in Georgia. Later that year, they worked in New York City’s Lower East Side, helping rebuild homes for families in need. Over the years, the Carters traveled worldwide with Habitat for Humanity, working alongside volunteers to build and improve homes for those who needed them most.
Keith Sterling, Chief Executive Officer of HFHMDC stated, “It is fitting that we are reflecting on the efforts of President Carter to advocate for affordable and attainable homes for historically disinvested communities, and his tireless service to others, especially right after MLK Day. Our partnership with the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development allows us the opportunity to help so many cost-burdened households have a decent place to call home.”
In August of 2023, HFHMDC was selected as the Whole Home Repair Program (WHRP) administrator on behalf of Delaware County, funded by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development and the County of Delaware. The program is a construction-based resource, which provides income-qualified homeowners with necessary health, safety, and accessibility-related home repairs, and modifications up to $50k per home. Through this program, HFHMDC aims to stabilize communities, address Delaware County’s aging housing stock, preserve naturally occurring affordable homeownership, and prevent qualifying homeowners from being displaced due to deferred and cost-prohibitive home repair and maintenance. To date, HFHMDC and OHCD have partnered to address repairs on 24 homes, with 65 applications in the pipeline, of which 37 have been approved.
“President Carter’s legacy is a testament to the profound impact of service,” said Dr. Taylor. “His dedication to Habitat for Humanity and his tireless advocacy for affordable housing continues to inspire all of us. I’m especially proud of the work of our Office of Housing and Community Development and the incredible efforts of Habitat for Humanity to help families in Delaware County have safe and affordable homes.”
The Jimmy Carter Memorial will stay in the Government Center Complex lobby for a week before moving to One Montgomery Plaza in Norristown, PA. The public is invited to visit and sign the door to honor President Carter.
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